Research Article | | Peer-Reviewed

Glycemic Control and Associated Factors Among Diabetics on Active Follow up at Public Hospitals of Harar, Eastern Ethiopia

Received: 20 November 2024     Accepted: 28 July 2025     Published: 18 August 2025
Views:       Downloads:
Abstract

Background: Poor glycemic control leads to medical consequences, whereas effective glycemic control minimizes acute and chronic complications and death due to Diabetes Mellitus. In some literatures, the prevalence of poor glycemic control approaches 80%. Considering the seriousness of the problem, there is a knowledge gap in the study area regarding the prevalence of poor glycemic control and the underlying causes. Therefore, this study aimed assess the status of poor glycemic control and associated factors among diabetics on active follow up at public hospitals of Harar, Eastern Ethiopia from February 1-28, 2023. Methods: Cross-sectional study design was employed. Proportionate stratified sampling technique was applied to obtain 405 diabetic patients on active follow. Data was entered in to EpiData software version 4.6, then exported to STATA software version 17 for analysis. Three consecutive months’ average fasting blood glucose level was used to determine glycemic control. Explanatory variables with p value less than 0.20 in bivariate logistic regression analysis were entered into the multivariable logistic regression analysis model. Every variable with P-values less than 0.05 in the multivariable logistic model was considered as statistically significant. Results: Mean age of pediatric participants was 11.3 years ± 4.1 SD while the mean age of adult participants was 49.8 years ± 14.7 SD. Females made up 52.1% of the total. Overall prevalence of poor glycemic control was 73.6% (95%CI: 69-77.7). Age >50 years (AOR = 3.01; 95% CI: 1.10-8.24), being Unemployed (AOR = 6.06; 95% CI: 1.43-25.60), poor level of adherence to blood sugar testing (AOR = 3.95; 95% CI: 1.61-9.70), duration > 4 years on DM treatment (AOR) = 2.23; 95%CI: 1.001-4.98) and high level of total serum triglyceride (AOR = 10.37; 95%CI: 4.29-25.06) significantly increased the odds of poor glycemic control. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of poor glycemic control in the study area. The factors with statistically significant effects on poor glycemic control included age ≥ 50 years, unemployment, low blood sugar testing compliance, longer duration on treatment, and high levels of total serum triglycerides. I rcommend especial attention to the elderlies, unemployeds and those with long duration on treatment.

Published in Science Frontiers (Volume 6, Issue 3)
DOI 10.11648/j.sf.20250603.12
Page(s) 57-71
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Associated Factors, Diabetes Mellitus, Eastern Ethiopia, Glycemic Control, Harar

References
[1] Inzucchi SE, Lupsa B. RELATED PATHWAYS. Oct 29, 2021.
[2] IDF. What is diabetes. 2022.
[3] Chiang JL, Kirkman MS, Laffel LM, Peters AL, Authors TDS. Type 1 diabetes through the life span: a position statement of the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes care. 2014; 37(7): 2034-54.
[4] Purnell JQ, Dev RK, Steffes MW, Cleary PA, Palmer JP, Hirsch IB, et al. Relationship of family history of type 2 diabetes, hypoglycemia, and autoantibodies to weight gain and lipids with intensive and conventional therapy in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial. Diabetes. 2003; 52(10): 2623-9.
[5] Madmoli M. A systematic review study on the results of empowerment-based interventions in diabetic patients. International Research in Medical and Health Sciences. 2019; 2(1): 1-7.
[6] Wei N, Zheng H, Nathan DM. Empirically establishing blood glucose targets to achieve HbA1c goals. Diabetes Care. 2014; 37(4): 1048-51.
[7] ADA. 6. Glycemic targets: standards of medical care in diabetes-2021. Diabetes Care. 2021; 44(Supplement_1): S73-S84.
[8] Feleke Y, Enquselassie F. An assessment of the health care system for diabetes in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Ethiopian journal of health development. 2005; 19(3): 203-10.
[9] Wallace T, Matthews D. Poor glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes: a conspiracy of disease, suboptimal therapy and attitude. Qjm. 2000; 93(6): 369-74.
[10] Adham M, Froelicher ES, Batieha A, Ajlouni K. Glycaemic control and its associated factors in type 2 diabetic patients in Amman, Jordan. EMHJ-Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 16(7), 732-739, 2010. 2010.
[11] Dhillon H, Nordin RB, Ramadas A. Quality of life and associated factors among primary care asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. International journal of environmental research and public health. 2019; 16(19): 3561.
[12] Davies M. The reality of glycaemic control in insulin treated diabetes: defining the clinical challenges. International journal of obesity. 2004; 28(2): S14-S22.
[13] Kayar Y, Ilhan A, Kayar NB, Unver N, Coban G, Ekinci I, et al. Relationship between the poor glycemic control and risk factors, life style and complications. Biomed Res. 2017; 28(4): 1581-6.
[14] Kassahun T, Eshetie T, Gesesew H. Factors associated with glycemic control among adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional survey in Ethiopia. BMC research notes. 2016; 9(1): 1-6.
[15] Yigazu DM, Desse TA. Glycemic control and associated factors among type 2 diabetic patients at Shanan Gibe Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia. BMC research notes. 2017; 10(1): 1-6.
[16] Bi Y, Zhu D, Cheng J, Zhu Y, Xu N, Cui S, et al. The status of glycemic control: a cross-sectional study of outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus across primary, secondary, and tertiary hospitals in the Jiangsu province of China. Clinical therapeutics. 2010; 32(5): 973-83.
[17] El-Eshmawy¹ MM, Sabri G, Magdy H, Nasr¹ AA, Mahsoub N. Sociodemographic and clinical risk factors associated with suboptimal glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes attending Mansoura Specialized Medical Hospital, Egypt. 2022.
[18] Shita NG, Iyasu AS. Glycemic control and its associated factors in type 2 diabetes patients at Felege Hiwot and Debre Markos Referral Hospitals. Scientific Reports. 2022; 12(1): 1-9.
[19] Alzaheb RA, Altemani AH. The prevalence and determinants of poor glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Saudi Arabia. Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity: targets and therapy. 2018; 11: 15.
[20] Camara A, Baldé NM, Sobngwi-Tambekou J, Kengne AP, Diallo MM, Tchatchoua AP, et al. Poor glycemic control in type 2 diabetes in the South of the Sahara: the issue of limited access to an HbA1c test. Diabetes research and clinical practice. 2015; 108(1): 187-92.
[21] Omar SM, Musa IR, Osman OE, Adam I. Assessment of glycemic control in type 2 diabetes in the Eastern Sudan. BMC research notes. 2018; 11(1): 1-5.
[22] Fiseha T, Alemayehu E, Kassahun W, Adamu A, Gebreweld A. Factors associated with glycemic control among diabetic adult out-patients in Northeast Ethiopia. BMC research notes. 2018; 11(1): 1-6.
[23] Mansour AA, Alibrahim NT, Alidrisi HA, Alhamza AH, Almomin AM, Zaboon IA, et al. Prevalence and correlation of glycemic control achievement in patients with type 2 diabetes in Iraq: a retrospective analysis of a tertiary care database over a 9-year period. Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews. 2020; 14(3): 265-72.
[24] Haghighatpanah M, Nejad ASM, Haghighatpanah M, Thunga G, Mallayasamy S. Factors that correlate with poor glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with complications. Osong public health and research perspectives. 2018; 9(4): 167.
[25] Tekalegn Y, Addissie A, Kebede T, Ayele W. Magnitude of glycemic control and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. PloS one. 2018; 13(3): e0193442.
[26] Nigussie S, Birhan N, Amare F, Mengistu G, Adem F, Abegaz TM. Rate of glycemic control and associated factors among type two diabetes mellitus patients in Ethiopia: A cross sectional study. PloS one. 2021; 16(5): e0251506.
[27] Babaniamansour S, Aliniagerdroudbari E, Niroomand M. Glycemic control and associated factors among Iranian population with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders. 2020; 19(2): 933-40.
[28] Yeemard F, Srichan P, Apidechkul T, Luerueang N, Tamornpark R, Utsaha S. Prevalence and predictors of suboptimal glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in northern Thailand: A hospital-based cross-sectional control study. PloS one. 2022; 17(1): e0262714.
[29] Oluma A, Abadiga M, Mosisa G, Etafa W. Magnitude and predictors of poor glycemic control among patients with diabetes attending public hospitals of Western Ethiopia. PloS one. 2021; 16(2): e0247634.
[30] Fekadu G, Bula K, Bayisa G, Turi E, Tolossa T, Kasaye HK. Challenges and factors associated with poor glycemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at Nekemte Referral Hospital, Western Ethiopia. Journal of multidisciplinary healthcare. 2019; 12: 963.
[31] Nigatu TA, Cheneke W, Wolide AD, Gebremariam T, Hamba N, Gedamu S, et al. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) level as a measure of glycemic control and associated factors among ambulatory diabetic patients in Southwest Ethiopia. Int J Pharma Sci Res. 2018; 9(10): 178-89.
[32] Masilela C, Pearce B, Ongole JJ, Adeniyi OV, Benjeddou M. Factors associated with glycemic control among South African adult residents of Mkhondo municipality living with diabetes mellitus. Medicine. 2020; 99(48).
[33] Dedefo MG, Abate SK, Ejeta BM, Korsa AT. Predictors of poor glycemic control and level of glycemic control among diabetic patients in west Ethiopia. Annals of Medicine and Surgery. 2020; 55: 238-43.
Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Abrahim, R. Y., Gudu, A., Abdi, D., Nuredin, K., Alemu, S., et al. (2025). Glycemic Control and Associated Factors Among Diabetics on Active Follow up at Public Hospitals of Harar, Eastern Ethiopia. Science Frontiers, 6(3), 57-71. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sf.20250603.12

    Copy | Download

    ACS Style

    Abrahim, R. Y.; Gudu, A.; Abdi, D.; Nuredin, K.; Alemu, S., et al. Glycemic Control and Associated Factors Among Diabetics on Active Follow up at Public Hospitals of Harar, Eastern Ethiopia. Sci. Front. 2025, 6(3), 57-71. doi: 10.11648/j.sf.20250603.12

    Copy | Download

    AMA Style

    Abrahim RY, Gudu A, Abdi D, Nuredin K, Alemu S, et al. Glycemic Control and Associated Factors Among Diabetics on Active Follow up at Public Hospitals of Harar, Eastern Ethiopia. Sci Front. 2025;6(3):57-71. doi: 10.11648/j.sf.20250603.12

    Copy | Download

  • @article{10.11648/j.sf.20250603.12,
      author = {Rudwan Yasin Abrahim and Abulmejid Gudu and Dawit Abdi and Kedir Nuredin and Shalo Alemu and Kidist Mehari Azene and Bethelhem Fekadeselassie Lemma and Olifan Getachew},
      title = {Glycemic Control and Associated Factors Among Diabetics on Active Follow up at Public Hospitals of Harar, Eastern Ethiopia
    },
      journal = {Science Frontiers},
      volume = {6},
      number = {3},
      pages = {57-71},
      doi = {10.11648/j.sf.20250603.12},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sf.20250603.12},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sf.20250603.12},
      abstract = {Background: Poor glycemic control leads to medical consequences, whereas effective glycemic control minimizes acute and chronic complications and death due to Diabetes Mellitus. In some literatures, the prevalence of poor glycemic control approaches 80%. Considering the seriousness of the problem, there is a knowledge gap in the study area regarding the prevalence of poor glycemic control and the underlying causes. Therefore, this study aimed assess the status of poor glycemic control and associated factors among diabetics on active follow up at public hospitals of Harar, Eastern Ethiopia from February 1-28, 2023. Methods: Cross-sectional study design was employed. Proportionate stratified sampling technique was applied to obtain 405 diabetic patients on active follow. Data was entered in to EpiData software version 4.6, then exported to STATA software version 17 for analysis. Three consecutive months’ average fasting blood glucose level was used to determine glycemic control. Explanatory variables with p value less than 0.20 in bivariate logistic regression analysis were entered into the multivariable logistic regression analysis model. Every variable with P-values less than 0.05 in the multivariable logistic model was considered as statistically significant. Results: Mean age of pediatric participants was 11.3 years ± 4.1 SD while the mean age of adult participants was 49.8 years ± 14.7 SD. Females made up 52.1% of the total. Overall prevalence of poor glycemic control was 73.6% (95%CI: 69-77.7). Age >50 years (AOR = 3.01; 95% CI: 1.10-8.24), being Unemployed (AOR = 6.06; 95% CI: 1.43-25.60), poor level of adherence to blood sugar testing (AOR = 3.95; 95% CI: 1.61-9.70), duration > 4 years on DM treatment (AOR) = 2.23; 95%CI: 1.001-4.98) and high level of total serum triglyceride (AOR = 10.37; 95%CI: 4.29-25.06) significantly increased the odds of poor glycemic control. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of poor glycemic control in the study area. The factors with statistically significant effects on poor glycemic control included age ≥ 50 years, unemployment, low blood sugar testing compliance, longer duration on treatment, and high levels of total serum triglycerides. I rcommend especial attention to the elderlies, unemployeds and those with long duration on treatment.},
     year = {2025}
    }
    

    Copy | Download

  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Glycemic Control and Associated Factors Among Diabetics on Active Follow up at Public Hospitals of Harar, Eastern Ethiopia
    
    AU  - Rudwan Yasin Abrahim
    AU  - Abulmejid Gudu
    AU  - Dawit Abdi
    AU  - Kedir Nuredin
    AU  - Shalo Alemu
    AU  - Kidist Mehari Azene
    AU  - Bethelhem Fekadeselassie Lemma
    AU  - Olifan Getachew
    Y1  - 2025/08/18
    PY  - 2025
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sf.20250603.12
    DO  - 10.11648/j.sf.20250603.12
    T2  - Science Frontiers
    JF  - Science Frontiers
    JO  - Science Frontiers
    SP  - 57
    EP  - 71
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2994-7030
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sf.20250603.12
    AB  - Background: Poor glycemic control leads to medical consequences, whereas effective glycemic control minimizes acute and chronic complications and death due to Diabetes Mellitus. In some literatures, the prevalence of poor glycemic control approaches 80%. Considering the seriousness of the problem, there is a knowledge gap in the study area regarding the prevalence of poor glycemic control and the underlying causes. Therefore, this study aimed assess the status of poor glycemic control and associated factors among diabetics on active follow up at public hospitals of Harar, Eastern Ethiopia from February 1-28, 2023. Methods: Cross-sectional study design was employed. Proportionate stratified sampling technique was applied to obtain 405 diabetic patients on active follow. Data was entered in to EpiData software version 4.6, then exported to STATA software version 17 for analysis. Three consecutive months’ average fasting blood glucose level was used to determine glycemic control. Explanatory variables with p value less than 0.20 in bivariate logistic regression analysis were entered into the multivariable logistic regression analysis model. Every variable with P-values less than 0.05 in the multivariable logistic model was considered as statistically significant. Results: Mean age of pediatric participants was 11.3 years ± 4.1 SD while the mean age of adult participants was 49.8 years ± 14.7 SD. Females made up 52.1% of the total. Overall prevalence of poor glycemic control was 73.6% (95%CI: 69-77.7). Age >50 years (AOR = 3.01; 95% CI: 1.10-8.24), being Unemployed (AOR = 6.06; 95% CI: 1.43-25.60), poor level of adherence to blood sugar testing (AOR = 3.95; 95% CI: 1.61-9.70), duration > 4 years on DM treatment (AOR) = 2.23; 95%CI: 1.001-4.98) and high level of total serum triglyceride (AOR = 10.37; 95%CI: 4.29-25.06) significantly increased the odds of poor glycemic control. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of poor glycemic control in the study area. The factors with statistically significant effects on poor glycemic control included age ≥ 50 years, unemployment, low blood sugar testing compliance, longer duration on treatment, and high levels of total serum triglycerides. I rcommend especial attention to the elderlies, unemployeds and those with long duration on treatment.
    VL  - 6
    IS  - 3
    ER  - 

    Copy | Download

Author Information
  • School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia

  • School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia

  • Department of Psychiatry, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia

  • School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia

  • School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia

  • Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

  • Commerical Bank of Ethiopia Clinic, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

  • School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia

  • Sections